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Winter 2020
Coffee & a Chat with Karl Minns Celebrate Norfolk Voices at The Maddermarket
V i s u a l A r t s | T h e a t r e & Fi l m | M u s i c | W h a t ’s O n
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Winter 2020
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Editor’s Welcome ARTSeast ARTSeast Magazine DBH 21, Diss Business Park, Hopper Way, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4GT www.artseast.co.uk www.falconpublications.co.uk follow us @artseastmag
Publishers Gary Enderby & Sarah Veness Editorial Sarah Veness sarah@artseast.co.uk 01379 773348 07803 328258
Welcome to the Winter edition of
For our coffee & a chat feature we caught up
ARTSeast Magazine.
with the fantastic Karl Minns ahead of his
To say this has been a difficult year for the arts would be an understatement. We have watched with heavy hearts as theatres, galleries and music venues closed and exhibitions and performances were cancelled. Here at ARTSeast, we have felt the impact just as heavily. Yet, despite the limitations that Covid-19 has placed on us all, we have been
Advertising Gary Enderby gary@artseast.co.uk 01379 773347 07722 163703
incredibly proud of the resilience and
Web Design David Last info@profileweb.co.uk
exciting Bill Brandt/ Henry Moore Exhibition
Accounts Julia Aitken accounts@artseast.co.uk 01379 773349 Design Copy Concept i.foster4@icloud.com 01379 608358 Distribution Melvyn Veness Andrea Snowden Published by Falcon Publications
innovation shown by the arts sector in our region. In this Winter edition, we take a look at the at The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, discover the line-up for the excellent Norfolk Voices Festival at The Maddermarket Theatre and learn how the Culture Recovery Fund is helping venues in our area.
Christmas show at Norwich Theatre Royal. Join his much-loved character She Go as she gives her unique take on the local news headlines that caught her eye in 2020. Our artist profile displays the work of talented Norfolk painter Rudie Mann whose figurative paintings are a blaze of colour. We also meet a talented young Essex painter who has worked collaboratively with a selection of big name artists during lockdown and take a look at the Norwich Film Festival in its new online format. If ever there was a time to support the arts where you live, it is now. Please help in whatever way you can. We are blessed with an incredible array of artistic, theatrical and musical talent in this region and we want nothing more than for those practitioners to not just survive but thrive in 2021.
Sarah Veness Editor
Cover image: Tasmin Little who is appearing with Martin Roscoe at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds on November 25th. Photo: Benjamin Ealovega
Winter 2020
Contents 6
Visual Arts News
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Artist Profile: Rudie Mann
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13 Sainsbury Centre: Bill Brandt/ Henry Moore
17 Background Bob 20 Coffee & a Chat: Karl Minns 22 Arts Council England: Culture Recovery Fund
24 Theatre Film News 27 Norfolk Voices Festival 31
Panto time at Fisher Theatre
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Norfolk Film Festival
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Music News
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Forest Live line-up
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What’s On News
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Cambridge Literary Festival
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Visual Arts News
Float at the Cut Arts Centre
New home for Norwich Art Supplies
exhibition since The Cut closed in March. FLOAT was created
The Cut Arts Centre in Halesworth and photographer Bill Jackson are opening the building for the first - ambitious during the forced isolation of the Covid-19 lockdown when
In these uncertain times for the
the issues of being out of control of one’s own daily life and
arts, it's great to have some
the compulsion to maintain control was, and is, a daily
good news. Norwich Art Supplies, who have been serving the region's artists for nearly 25 years, are expanding into larger shop premises at the end of November. ‘We have been looking for a few years now to expand,’ says founder Daniel Goldsworthy. ‘We are continuously adding new ranges to the products we offer, many exclusive to us such as casein
struggle. The black and white work is presented as an
paint, handmade paper and oak easels to name a few, and we
installation with large scale projected moving images for an
are quite simply bursting at the seams.’ The shop is not moving
extended shared experience, along with 25 small scale, wall
far - just a bit further along St Benedict's Street! ‘We're
mounted tablets for individual viewing in the iconic Malt
incredibly lucky to have a very loyal following and it's thanks to
Room Gallery. Bookings are made in advance, with two hour
their continued support we are able to contemplate expanding,’
windows for viewing available from 10am – 4pm. Each
says Daniel. The company has started in-house production of
window has only 20 people, giving space and time for the
artist oil paint as well as soft pastels and the new premises will
viewer to dwell and immerse themselves in the shapes, forms
enable Daniel and his team to develop this side of the business.
and movement of the cloudscape. The exhibition runs from
www.norwichartsupplies.co.uk
November 5th to 21st. www.newcut.org
Winning Images Two photographers from Cambridge have won a UK photo competition by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. The ‘On My Doorstep’ competition invited entrants to share the unusual and surreal moments they’ve captured throughout the lockdown period and beyond. From scenic walks in the countryside, to precious family moments after time apart, the photos submitted for the competition perfectly capture the best moments that photographers experienced on their doorstep this year. Sally Jex won with her image entitled Empty Punts, showing Cambridge’s famous punts sitting unused throughout summer, kept company only by the cows in the field opposite. Poppy Roth’s winning image - entitled Lockdown Lunchtime Rush Hour - was taken in Cambridge City Centre as the streets stood empty while people followed government advice to stay at home. This image was taken on an iPhone 11 Pro, showing the power of smartphone photography.
Winter 2020
Sculpt Gallery Winter Exhibition
Addressing rural isolation in Suffolk’s older residents
Pick up the perfect gift and support local artists
Suffolk Artlink has launched a free arts programme aimed at
at Sculpt Gallery’s
addressing rural isolation in Suffolk’s older residents. ‘What is
Winter Exhibition
your village made of?’ invites adults (55+) to take part in
featuring a stunning
activities that encourage creativity and connection with others,
selection of handmade
using their home villages and towns as inspiration. The six
ceramics and sculpture.
month programme has been designed as part of the arts
The exhibition, running from October 31st-December 19th, has a particular focus on local artists, such as Colchester’s Linda Martucci, whose hand-built ceramic heads are informed by the work of
charity’s ‘Make, Do & Friends’ project, running throughout autumn and winter. Professional artists will post regular activity ideas on a blog, and offer opportunities to share what you create with others. Each activity, including photography,
Modigliani, Giacometti and Henry Moore. Fellow
drawing, creative
Colchester artist, David Trenow, is exhibiting a series of
writing and
sculptures carved directly from slate. Moira Goodall’s work
printmaking, invites
is inspired by the natural beauty of the Essex salt marshes.
you to explore and
Her handmade, contemporary vessels are decorated with
enjoy different aspects
the ancient technique of smoke-firing, ensuring that no
of your surroundings.
two pots are ever the same. Work of a larger scale will be
Activity packs can be
shown by Writtle artist, Tim Corke, whose medium of
sent in the post to
choice is Alabaster, which he carves into shapes that
anyone that isn’t able
celebrate the natural qualities of each piece of stone. Another local artist creating zen-like forms is Ian Knowles, who carves his sculptures from concrete into shapes that evoke water-smoothed rocks and organic structures, some of which are cast in bronze, whilst others are hand-painted. It is advisable to book your visit to allow the gallery to safely limit numbers. www.sculptgallery.com
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to access the internet. Online group creative get-togethers are also planned. In addition, artists will be visiting villages across Mid-Suffolk and Babergh including Laxfield, Eye, Coombs, Buxhall and Westhorpe to collaborate with residents to create artworks, drawing on the many and varied ways in which communities connect. www.makedoandfriends.co.uk
Belinda King: Sunshine and Shadow From November 28th - December 31st, Chappel Galleries in Colchester is home to a fantastic exhibition by talented artist Belinda King. Belinda’s early work focused on printmaking but she has now returned to her first love of painting, using the landscape as inspiration. Her aim is to create images that suggest a landscape through abstraction with influences including Keith Vaughan, Ivon Hitchens and contemporary artists such as David Prentice and David Mankin. This exhibition will showcase 40 works of varying size and subject matter, including work inspired by lockdown. www.chappelgalleries.co.uk
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Winter 2020
Artist Profile: Rudie Mann Norfolk artist Rudie Mann explores the figurative form in his paintings‌
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Winter 2020
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Since graduating with a degree in Fine Art Sculpture from Leicester
‘First, I’ll block out the drawing in acrylic,’ says Rudie. ‘Then I incise
Polytechnic in 1986, Rudie Mann has drawn, painted and sculpted
lines into the wet paint. As the light catches it, it seems to move
his whole life.
around. I then draw over the top in pastels of pure colour which I
‘I’ve always loved art since I was a child,’ says Rudie.
don’t mix beforehand. I build up the layers from there.’
But unlike some, Rudie does not come from a family of artists.
Rudie’s inspiration comes from a group of German Expressionists
‘In fact, I’ve no idea where my artistic ability comes from,’ he says.
known as the Degenerate Artists that came to prominence in
‘Both my brother and sister are dancers so we’re a creative bunch
Germany in the 1930s and were disliked by Hitler.
but I’m the only artist in the family.’
‘I’ve always loved the German Expressionists such as Otto Dix,
For many years, Rudie used his art in his work, running night classes
George Grosz, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Emil Nolde,’ says Rudie. ‘I
teaching life drawing.
love the social aspect of their paintings. I love the way they quickly
But at other times his career path has followed a different route from
try to get down as much as they can. I try this too and then develop
training as a farrier to pub and shoe shop work while he brought his
the painting from there.’
children up, up to today where he works as a firefighter.
Rudie also paints more traditional equine pieces in watercolour.
This life experience has, in many ways, influenced Rudie’s art
He takes on private commissions and his work is sold through a
leading to a specialisation in horses and the human figure.
gallery in New York - The Equisgallery, Redhook - and through his
’In 1994 I moved from Manchester to Winterton-on-Sea where I was
instagram page @rudiemannart
able to set up a studio at home,’ says Rudie. ‘At first I concentrated
‘In 2021, I would like to exhibit work more locally in East Anglia and
on sculpture whereas nowadays I do more painting.’
build up relationships with local galleries,’ says Rudie.
These figurative paintings are mainly A1 in size.
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Winter 2020
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Bill Brandt / Henry Moore Running from November 20th to March 7th 2021, this major exhibition traces the parallel and intersecting careers of these two leading artists of the 20th century.
Self-portrait, Bill Brandt. 1966. Gelatin silver print. Bill Brandt Archive Ltd., London Š Bill Brandt / Bill Brandt Archive Ltd
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Miners returning to daylight, Bill Brandt. c. 1936. Gelatin silver print. Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York Š Bill Brandt / Bill Brandt Archive Ltd.
Pitboys at the pithead, Henry Moore. 1942. Pencil, wax crayon, pen and ink and wash on paper. The Hepworth Wakefield Š The Henry Moore Foundation, UK
Winter 2020
East Sussex, Bill Brandt. 1963. Colour transparency. Bill Brandt Archive Ltd. © Bill Brandt / Bill Brandt Archive Ltd
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Reclining Figure, Henry Moore. 1959–64. Elmwood. The Henry Moore Foundation: gift of Irina Moore 1977 Photo by Jonty Wilde © The Henry Moore Foundation, UK
The photographer Bill Brandt (1904–1983) and sculptor Henry Moore (1898–1986) first crossed paths during the Second World War, when they created images of civilians sheltering in the London Underground during the Blitz. These photographs by Brandt and drawings by Moore today rank among their most iconic works. The exhibition is organised by the Yale Center for British Art in partnership with The Hepworth Wakefield and is curated by Martina Droth, Deputy Director of Research, Exhibitions and Publications, and Curator of Sculpture at the Yale Center for British Art. The exhibition brings together almost 200 works including significant sculpture, iconic photographs and drawings, little-known photo collages and rare original colour transparencies. Bill Brandt | Henry Moore reveals the interdisciplinary range of these two artists, exploring how they both responded creatively to the British landscape and communities during the turbulent times in which they lived. The exhibition opens with the moment the artists met in 1942 when Brandt photographed Moore in his studio to accompany a 10-page spread in Lilliput magazine, which juxtaposed the two artists’ shelter images for the first time. Both artists were often drawn to similar subjects. During the Second World War, there was a focus on ordinary people, the home and labour. Their images of coal miners and their families reflect social
deprivation, yet an optimistic view in the case of Moore. In contrast with the densely populated, often claustrophobic, urban subjects explored during the war, Brandt and Moore both later turned to nature and the light-filled open landscape as a primary source of inspiration. A significant section of the exhibition looks at their enduring interest in rock formations, geological artefacts, and megalithic sites, such as Stonehenge. Ghislaine Wood, Acting Director of the Sainsbury Centre said: “Henry Moore is a crucial artist in our collection, and we are delighted to be able to show his work in a new light through its presentation alongside Bill Brandt, one of the most important photographers of the 20th century. This exhibition demonstrates how Henry Moore, often known as a sculptor, worked across media, including collage and photography, and how Brandt — through photography — presented the landscape and body as acutely sculptural.” The exhibition is accompanied by a major new book published by the Yale Center for British Art in association with Yale University Press. The book takes an unusual approach to the reproduction of photographic works, capturing the materiality of the print as a singular, three-dimensional object rather than a flattened image on the page. scva.ac.uk
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Claire Cansick
Belinda King
Recollection in Colour
Sunshine and Shadow
up until 15th November 2020
28th November to 31st December 2020
The Heath
Slieve League
The Sun Blasts Your Shadow
Tractor Ruts
Chappel Galleries, Colchester Road, Chappel, Essex CO6 2DE. T: 01206 240326 Gallery open Wednesday to Sunday (closed 25th- 26th December) 10am to 5pm. Or by appointment Viewing with social distancing. All paintings online. Free delivery www.chappelgalleries.co.uk
Winter 2020
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b and his Amazin
Background Bo A unique collaboration between a young disabled artist from Essex and some of the world’s most prominent street artists, plus members of the public and key workers, will feature in a remarkable new exhibition at Colchester’s Firstsite this winter.
Noah – AKA @background_bob - began painting on cardboard when he was unable to attend school during lockdown. Using a palette of vibrant colours Noah creates bold, confident abstract shapes. While looking at the paintings, Noah’s stepdad Nathan had a fantastic idea. He posted on Instagram, inviting artists to use @background_bob’s paintings as backgrounds for them to complete in their own, inimitable styles. Initially expecting a handful of artists to respond, the family was shocked when over 80 replies from eight different countries came in almost immediately. Since that first request, a staggering 240 unique pictures have been co-created by Noah and artists from countries across the globe, including the UK, Colombia, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden,
g Friends Germany, the USA and Australia – artists involved include Pez, My dog sighs, Anna Schellberg, the London Police, Pure Evil, Ange Bell, Heath Kane, along with comedian Phill Jupitus. Local key workers in the Colchester area have also contributed their own designs, which will feature in the Firstsite exhibition, as Noah receives care at Colchester General Hospital.
As regular visitors to Firstsite, Noah and Nathan approached the gallery when it became clear that the exhibition had grown too large to be exhibited in the children’s ward at Colchester General Hospital, which was their original plan. To coincide with the exhibition, Noah and his family have produced a book, Background Bob & his amazing friends, with all the artworks included, which is available to buy online at participating outlets, including the gallery’s own shop. After the exhibition, all the paintings will be sold via an online auction on eBay, to raise funds for the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity. www.firstsite.uk
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Coffee & a Chat
We talk to comedy legend Karl Minns ahead of his new Christmas show in Norwich…
Winter 2020
Karl Minns, one half of famous Norfolk comedy duo The Nimmo
And now She-Go is back as part of Norwich Theatre Royal’s
Twins, is set to welcome audiences back to Norwich’s Theatre
Christmas offering A Right Royal Christmas.
Royal this December with new show She Go Does it Under the Christmas Tree…with Friends
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‘She Go Does It Under the Christmas Tree…with Friends is a look back at the biggest news stories in 2020 in Norfolk, with an
The character She Go first appeared as part of the Nimmo Twins
added sprinkle of Christmas magic and cheer,’ says Karl. ‘Lots of
show Normal for Norfolk back in 1998. Since then Karl has
local stories have caught She Go’s eye this year from reports of
developed this Larkman estate mum so much it felt almost
the Bungay Mafia to the rise in home schooling in the county,
natural for her to have her own show.
the increase in Norfolk people having Botox and implants to the
‘The audience have always loved She Go and I knew she was a character that could sustain her own show given the opportunity,’ says Karl.
exodus of people moving to Norfolk from the cities. As you can imagine, she has a lot to say on each topic. ’ But blonde wig and pink tracksuit aside, just how much do She
And another opportunity for She Go to take to the stage came
Go and Karl have in common?
this summer with Norwich Theatre Royal’s Interlude season in
‘I love playing her,’ says Karl. ‘Sometimes it’s like we’re melding
Chapelfield Gardens.
into one as she does share a lot of my views but I can hide
‘Interlude was a huge relief for me,’ says Karl. ‘Due to lockdown,
behind the character which is great.’
the work in our industry had vanished overnight, it was a
Alongside working on his live show, Karl was thrilled to be
worrying time. I jumped at the chance to open the Interlude
offered the chance to write for the new series of iconic sketch
season with She Go Does It In A Tent
show Spitting Image. ‘It was a bit of a surprise and I’m a very
With Friends. It was lovely to be back on
tiny cog in an enormous machine,’ says Karl. ‘But it’s fantastic
stage and lovely for the audience to experience live performance again.
and a lot easier to write for puppets as you are quite literally putting words into their mouths.’
Norwich was the first city in the country to grab the situation by the back of the neck and find a way to fight back by bringing live performance back in a safe way. It was fantastic.’
Despite being brought up in Suffolk, Karl has always had a strong affinity with Norfolk. ‘I was born in Bungay literally on the border of the two counties,’ says Karl. ‘But I always leaned towards Norfolk, following Norwich City for example. Now I live in London but Norfolk is a place that always draws me back and is very special to me.’ • She Go Does It Under the Christmas Tree…with Friends is at Norwich Theatre Royal from December 16th-23rd. www.norwichtheatre.org
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Photo: Matthew Usher Photography
Collusion. REVEAL King's Lynn 2019
Winter 2020
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Culture Recovery for East of England In October, the Arts Council and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced that 1975 arts and cultural organisations across the country would receive a share of more than £335 million. The money, part of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, will provide a vital boost to arts and cultural organisations across England. Across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, £15.7 million was awarded to 89 organisations, ranging from the Hippodrome Great Yarmouth and Norwich Puppet Theatre, through to SIN Cru, Britten Sinfonia, New Wolsey Theatre, the Bungay Arts and Theatre Society, and Alive West Norfolk (King’s Lynn Corn Exchange). The recipients are those that applied for grants of under £1 million across Rounds one and two of the Culture Recovery Fund. This funding will help organisations create work, performances to restart and venues to plan for reopening. It is the biggest tranche of funding distributed to date from the Culture Recovery Fund and the first in a series of announcements on the funding programmes administered by Arts Council England. Applicants for grants of over £1 million, as well as those who applied to the Repayable Finance programme, will be notified of their outcomes shortly. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: ‘This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery. “These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country - from the Beamish museum in County Durham to the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Bristol Old Vic. “This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.’
Some of the successful applicants were: • £79,176 for SINCRU, a Hip Hop collective based in Cambridge that works to cultivate access, skills development and community engagement within all aspects of the varying Hip Hop art forms. • £182,907 for Hippodrome Great Yarmouth, Britain’s only surviving circus building. Built in 1903, it is just one of three buildings in the world to still have and operate an original sinking ring water feature. • £84,335 for the John Peel Centre, the only venue in the world dedicated to the legendary DJ John Peel and an important part of the cultural offer in Stowmarket. • £61,588 for Collusion, resident at Cambridge Junction, is a practice-based, arts org creating public works that explore new and emerging technologies, supporting the development of artistic talent & place-making. • £302,922 for Marina Theatre Trust in Lowestoft, which presents a programme of live performances, screenings and outreach activities. Its work on stage and in the community helps combat social isolation, as well as enhancing physical and mental well-being. • £247,690 for King's Lynn Corn Exchange (Arts Alive Ltd), a popular entertainment venue presenting everything from opera to pantomime. Located in a highly rural area, the venue is a vital part of the cultural offer for the communities of West Norfolk, providing a wide range of affordable cultural experiences. • £84,750 for Norwich Puppet Theatre, one of only three building-based puppet theatres in England, and with its 165 seat main auditorium, 50 seat studio, 30 seat outdoor amphitheatre plus workshops, it provides a well-equipped focal point for puppetry practitioners for performance and development. For a full list of successful applicants, please visit: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/publication/culturerecovery-fund-data
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Theatre & Film News Grin like the Cheshire Cat with Red Rose Chain
Ocean Film Festival World Tour sets sail for the UK! The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is bringing a brand-new collection of mesmerising ocean-themed films to UK shores this November, in its first ever virtual edition! The online
After the success of Twelfth
film evenings involve a collection of astounding short films
Night at Home this summer,
telling stories of seafaring adventure, carefree characters and
Red Rose Chain are
mind-blowing marine life from the depths of the big blue.
bringing you a magical treat
Witness wild nautical
this Christmas with their
voyages, captivating
reimagined online production of Alice in Wonderland.
coastal scenery and
Christmas is looking a little different this year - but don’t
stunning
worry as this will be Red Rose Chain’s biggest ever show!
cinematography from
West End star Joanna Sawyer (WICKED) will star as Alice,
the comfort of your sofa
alongside a cast of 20 other Red Rose Chain legends, brought
– without getting your feet wet! “It’s time to celebrate the
together on screen using green screen technology. Tickets are
world’s incredible oceans, and we’re thrilled to be
priced from a donation of £10 and grants one device access
presenting the Ocean Film Festival 2020 in this exciting new
to this totally unique theatrical experience this Christmas. The
format!” says tour director Nell Teasdale. “From rowing
show will be available to stream from December 18th -
4,000 miles across the Atlantic to surfing the spectacular
January 3rd. So gather your family together, set up your tea
cold-water waves of British Columbia, this inspirational
party at home and get ready to follow the White Rabbit on a
collection of films is guaranteed to whet your appetite for an
topsy-turvy adventure into Wonderland!
ocean adventure!” The virtual event takes place from
www.redrosechain.com/alice-in-wonderland
November 17th-19th. www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk
Stellar cast for New Wolsey digital world premiere The Barn Theatre in Cirencester, the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield and the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich are bringing the digital world premiere of Henry Filloux-Bennett’s online play What A Carve Up!, based on Jonathan Coe’s critically acclaimed satirical novel this Autumn. Starring Stephen Fry, Derek Jacobi, Celia Imrie, Jonathan Bailey, Samuel Barnett, Robert Bathurst and Griff Rhys Jones among others, the murder mystery will run from October 31st to November 29th. The production, directed by Tamara Harvey (Home, I’m Darling), chronicles the events leading up to the ‘Winshaw Murders’. Filled with murder, mayhem and madness, the murder mystery turns a satirical eye on what it is like to be a member of one of the most corrupt, powerful and toxic families in the country. Tickets can be purchased at whatacarveup.com with audience members receiving a screening link which will activate at their booked performance time for a 48-hour period. A premium option, consisting of a physical programme and pre-theatre dining recipe card, will be available for UK residents. A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to a freelance fund to support the creative workforce that the theatres would not be able to survive without.
Winter 2020
Shake Festival presents The Tempest SHAKE Festival is delighted to announce a star-studded reading of The Tempest by William Shakespeare, which will be performed on Zoom on November 19th at 7.30pm. Geraldine James as Prospero and Rebecca Hall as Ariel lead a cast of young stars
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New cinema opens in King’s Lynn A brand new cinema has been opened at the iconic Alive Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn. It has been built in the space in the upper foyer and front balcony of the building, complete with wheelchair provision. A new staircase and lift leads to the cinema foyer on the first floor.’The formerly under-used
of TV and film,
upstairs space has been converted into a two-screen cinema,’
including Lauryn
says Cllr Brain Long, Chair of the Alive West Norfolk board and
Canny, Amesh
Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West
Edireweera, Antonio Aakeel and Aidan Cheng. Olivier Award nominee Robert Hands reads Sebastian, and Wendy Morgan, Tim Fitzhigham and David Sibley are also amongst the excellent cast. The reading will be directed by Jenny Hall, who once played Miranda in The Tempest at the National Theatre, directed by her father Sir Peter Hall. SHAKE Festival is a new multi-disciplinary festival of Shakespeare, inaugurated in Suffolk in 2019, when it featured Dame
Norfolk. ‘There will be special screenings for parent and babies, parent and toddlers, Silver Screenings (for over 60 year olds)
Harriet Walter, Professor Grace Ioppolo and playwright Ian
and family screenings at the weekend. It’s another great
Kelly, among others.
reason to come in to town.’
www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-tempest-shake-festival
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
A Right Royal Christmas Norwich Theatre Royal is hosting a special season of festive shows for the whole family this Christmas. There are three shows in total Panto in a Pickle! (December 16th-24th), A Circus Carol (December 16th-23rd) and She Go Does It Under the Christmas Tree…with Friends (December 16th-23rd). After 19 years at the centre of Theatre Royal Christmases, Norwich’s favourite pantomime Dame, Richard Gauntlett, stars in a brand new show for the whole family that captures panto fun in a madcap adventure though six of your favourite stories, Panto in a Pickle! Following its sell-out success at Norwich Playhouse last Christmas, Lost in Translation’s A Circus Carol is back, telling the well known Dickens story with a twist. Muchloved Norfolk comedian Karl Minn’s She Go Does It Under the Christmas Tree…with Friends completes the season with a festive look back at what a year 2020 has been in our fair county of Norfolk. www.norwichtheatre.org
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Colorcraft
The Art & Craft Shop in Saffron Walden For all your Art materials, Winsor & Newton, Daler Rowney, Sennelier, Proarte stockists, Paints, papers, boards, pens, pastels, canvas etc.... For all your Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery, Tapestry supplies, DMC, Anchor, Appletons, Sirdar, King Cole, Patons, Kits, Canvas, Aida, wool, thread, needles, patterns, felt, ribbon etc.... For all your modelling materials, plaster, glue, Balsa wood, construction card, Mount board, Doll’s house brick paper etc.... For all Mum’s homework and junior project requirements, pipe cleaners, poster paints, feathers, pom poms, glue, card, peel-offs, fat quarters, blank cards etc.... Useful stuff – Useful staff! Where is this Emporium? Where it has been for over fifty years.
OPEN DAILY
Colorcraft, 1-2 Emson Close, Saffron Walden CB10 1HL Open: 10am-4pm Tues-Fri. 10am-5pm Saturday. (Closed 1-2pm lunch)
Telephone: 01799 522607 Email: colorcraftsw@hotmail.co.uk wwwcolorcraftsw.com
The Narrative of Trees – with the Arborealists From 12 November 2020 to 30 January 2021
www.galleryeast.co.uk 24 Church Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1DH 07836 325497
@galleryeastwoodbridge
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Celebrating Norfolk Voices At Norwich’s Maddermarket Theatre this Autumn…
Tommy Lynwood & Harry Lake
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Photo: Jess Morgan
Molly Naylor
Opening on November 14th, the festival’s aim is to tell important stories through this diverse wealth of Norfolk Voices. Celebrating writers, poets, actors and musicians, this exciting line-up of art forms even includes a live link-up with an audio theatre company in Washington DC. This November, head to the Maddermarket Theatre to celebrate all that makes Norfolk such a wonderful hub of creativity and talent. The inaugural Norfolk Voices Festival sees the city-based theatre raising much-needed funds before their temporary closure until August next year.
West End and Broadway star, Sam Clemmett will be starring in the Festival. The Norfolk-born actor, who starred as Albus Potter in The Cursed Child in London and New York, appears in this week-long line-up celebrating Norfolk arts talent. Clemmett, who will appear in the discussion-based session ‘Sam Clemmett In Conversation’ said; ’I am honoured and excited to be a part of this incredibly special festival at the
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Photo: Joseph Sinclair
Sam Clemmett
Photo: Elliott Spencer
Luke Wright
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Stephen Fry
Maddermarket Theatre. Norfolk is my home county and will
acclaimed playwright Steve Waters, a production of the
forever hold a special place in my heart. To get the opportunity
popular play Rubber Ring by James McDermott, new poems
to support local theatre, focusing on the youth, to give them
from Molly Naylor and Luke Wright, a reading and
creative hope and an outlet during the pandemic is vital for
conversation with award-winning authors Tessa McWatt and
the community. I hope the week’s variety of work inspires the
Rebecca Stott plus a chilling encounter with Edgar Allan Poe.
next generation of artists Norfolk has to offer.’
There will also be two music events from up-and-coming
Norfolk-based actor and TV presenter Stephen Fry is also supporting the new festival by allowing the Maddermarket to stage a specially commissioned monologue of his first memoir Moab Is My Washpot, performed by MOCO Theatre. Other Festival highlights include an original comedy by local playwright and author Antoinette Moses, a monologue by
acoustic sing songwriters Tom Cox and duo Tommy Lynwood and Harry Lake. ‘Norfolk Voices’ runs from November 14th-21st. www.maddermarket.co.uk
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The following fresh food suppliers and restaurants are pleased to support The Fisher Theatre
We are open Monday to Saturday 9.30am-5pm
Quality fresh meat, free range poultry, veg, deli and groceries. Seasonal fayre, let us cook your Xmas ham. Home deliveries and catering for care homes, restaurants, cafes etc. New opening hours: Monday 7am-4pm, Tues-Fri 7am-5pm Saturday 7am-1pm 28 Wingfield Street, Bungay. Tel: 01986 895105
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Raiders of the Lost Panto With the staggering pressures faced by the arts around the world, UpShoot Theatre Company remained determined to produce work, whatever happened. After a successful series of sell-out open air performances over the summer, it was clear the appetite for live theatre was very much there. ‘Christmas is usually hectic for us, having produced the pantomime for the Fisher Theatre, Bungay for the past three years,’ says Laila France, Director & Writer. ‘But this year all we could see ahead was a gaping hole. As we watched theatre giants drop their plans around us, we decided we had to do something to survive and the idea of a shorter Christmas show, jam-packed with panto content, to a socially- distanced audience with a small cast and fewer performances began to form.’ Peter Pan had originally been planned for this year. Laila, a long-time Indiana Jones
fan, couldn’t stop thinking of Raiders of the Lost Ark, her go- to movie when times were hard. ‘Jones’s quest to stop the precious ark falling into the wrong hands suddenly gave birth to an idea,’ she says. ‘Panto this year was almost totally lost like the ark, and so Peter Pan had to save it from falling into oblivion, which became the hands of the dastardly Captain Hook! And why did Hook want panto wiped-out? Because he was tired to his back-teeth of that ticking crocodile coming after him year after year.’ And so Raiders of the Lost Panto was born. In this story Peter Pan travels through scenes from the greatest pantos meeting iconic characters. There is humour, silliness, tricks and wonder, alongside modern twists like Tinkerbell ruling Peter Pan from a zoom screen, and characters from Aladdin mimicking the judges from Strictly Come Dancing, to name a few.
With two shows a day to limited numbers, you’ll have to be quick off the mark to book a ticket. By buying a ticket you will be supporting local arts professionals, sustaining a crucial small venue and filling a local theatre company with the will to go on, whatever happens. Raiders of the Lost Panto is on December 19th & 20th, 23rd & 24th, 26th & 27th and 30th & 31st at the Fisher Theatre, Bungay.
www.fishertheatre.org
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Mariam Margolyes in Wings
Norwich Film Festival rolls out the virtual red carpet Norwich Film Festival, the fastest growing film festival in the UK,
British director Helen Randag and comedy actor Paul Kaye
launches in November, with the entire Official Selection of short
appearing in a short film called Petrichor.
films being available to watch online nationwide for the first time in the festival’s history.
This year’s festival drew submissions from 55 countries including China, the Ukraine, Syria and South Africa, with films
The online platform will feature 132 short films within a wide
from 33 countries being selected to be screened. Norwich
range of specially curated programming strands. Despite the
audiences will get a unique interpretation of issues facing
move online, the festival will remain recognisable to those
communities around the world - poverty, homelessness and
familiar with the usual format, with the programme featuring
social stigma as well as wonderful, imaginative, thought-
the return of strands such as Emerging Talent, LGBTQ+, Women
provoking storytelling from makers around the globe. Films
in Film, Late Night Shorts and many more. Audiences will be
range from just one minute to 25 minutes in length.
able to purchase a range of different passes, giving them access to individual films, specific strands or the entire selection throughout the duration of the festival. .
Three films will particularly resonate with audiences this year. ‘Remember When’, ‘Wicked Friday Night’ and ‘Alex and Mr Fluffkins’ all look at life during lockdown due to Covid-19.
Festival highlights include BAFTA award winning Miriam
‘Remember When’, a seven-minute film, was written, directed
Margolyes and Virginia McKenna starring in a short film called
and performed in Norwich and offers a fictional snapshot of life
Wings, star of BBC’s Being Human Russell Tovey and Shameless’
during lockdown.
Maxine Peake appearing in ‘It’s Me’ - a 15 minute short film by
www.norwichfilmfestival.co.uk
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Maxine Peake in It’s Me
Remember When
Paul Kaye in Petrichor
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Music News Jockey Club Live 2021 Pop giant Olly Murs is the latest name to be added to the Jockey Club Live line-up at Newmarket Racecourses next summer. On July 17th, he’ll perform his biggest hits from his recently certified triple platinum album ‘Never Been Better.’ Other acts confirmed include The Script (June 18th), Rick Astley (June 25th), Bryan Ferry (July 16th), Tom Jones (July 23rd) and McFly (August 28th). There will be hospitality packages available to suit all budgets.
www.thejockyclublive.co.uk
The Apex welcomes Tasmin Little Supremely talented violinist Tasmin Little is making a final appearance at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds this November. At the beginning of 2020 Tasmin announced that, after a long and exciting career, she has decided to pursue new directions. She will be playing two concerts - a matinee and an evening performance - on November 25th and will be joined by wonderful pianist Martin Roscoe. Each performance will last for one hour with no interval and the programme consists of
Shake, Rattle and Roll at The Corn Hall, Diss
Mozart: Sonata in B flat major K4545 and Franck: Sonata in A
A special COVID-19 safe version of the theatre show ‘Shake,
Major. www.theapex.co.uk
Rattle and Roll’, by the UK’s premier vocal quartet, The TestostaTones, visits The Corn Hall in Diss on Friday December 4th. ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll’ is a Rock & Roll origins show which celebrates the very best music from the mid 1950s with the TestostaTones performing seminal songs by classic artists such as Elvis Presley, Bill Haley and the Comets, Eddie Cochrane, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis among many others. The show will be performed from the ‘studio’ of radio show disc jockey, and your host for the evening, Chuck Anderson. The D.J. “spins the discs” of some of the biggest hit songs of the genre which will be performed live by The TestostaTones, a group who have sung for the Queen, Olly Murs and live on BBC Radio 2 as well as counting Jeremy Vine and ‘Professor of Pop’ and world music authority Paul Gambaccini among their fans. Shake, Rattle and Roll features songs including Blue Suede Shoes, Rock Around the Clock, Johnny B. Goode, Teenager in Love, Summertime Blues, Jailhouse Rock, Great Balls of Fire, Wake Up Little Susie, La Bamba, Hound Dog and many more. This show will be performed to a limited capacity audience so please book early. www.thecornhall.co.uk
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Madness
e Man
n Rag’n’Bo
Keane
Forest Live brings big names to Thetford Three big name acts have, so far, announced dates as part of
2019 with their latest studio album ‘Cause and Effect’ and a
Forest Live 2021, the summer concert series presented by
triumphant sold-out UK tour. With hit singles including
Forestry England. Music superstars Rag ’n’ Bone Man, Keane
‘Somewhere Only We Know’, ‘Everybody’s Changing’, ‘This Is
and Madness have announced dates in Thetford Forest next
The Last Time’ and ‘Bedshaped’, Keane will rock Thetford on
summer. Neo-blues & soul singer Rory Graham, aka
June 18th 2021.
Rag‘n’Bone Man, is an English singer-songwriter known for his distinctive baritone voice. Having won the 2017 BRIT’s ‘British Breakthrough Act’ and receiving the BRIT’s Critics’ Choice Award in the same year, Rag‘n’Bone Man cemented his success with the record-breaking release of his four x platinum No. 1 album Human and a further BRIT Award for ‘British Single’ for the title track (Human) in 2018. Rag ’n’ Bone Man comes to Thetford Forest on June 17th 2021. After a six-year hiatus, Keane made a long overdue return in
Drawing on their musical roots in ska, Madness were responsible for some of the most credible compositions of their generation with the ability to write songs that sparkle with the spirit of British life. Creating their trademark ‘nutty’ sound, they became the UK’s consummate singles group with a huge haul of hits such as ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘My Girl’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Driving in my Car’ and ‘Our House.’ Their legendary live show comes to Thetford Forest on June 19th.
www.forestryengland.uk/music
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What’s On News Discover the National Horse Racing Museum
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Take an Enchanted Journey of Light at Thursford With the Thursford Christmas Spectacular show on pause for 2020, and whilst Santa is in ICE-olation at the North pole until Christmas Eve and therefore unable to greet children and grandchildren at the end of Santa’s Magical Journey, an
The newly-rebranded NHRM
enchanting new festive celebration will light up Thursford as an
is a five acre site in the heart
alternative Christmas treat. Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of
of Newmarket and offers a
Light will be a magical walk-through experience for all ages
great day out for all the family. It comprises three
running from
complementary attractions; the museum and temporary art
November
exhibitions in Trainer’s House and King’s Yard Galleries,
19th 2020-
Packard Galleries of British Sporting Art in Palace House, and a
January 3rd.
chance to meet former racehorses in the flagship home of
An all-new
Retraining of Racehorses in Rothschild Yard. Watch a farrier
indoor
practicing their craft in the working forge and ride the equine
Wonderland
simulator to experience what it’s like to ride a racehorse.
Trail: a maze
There’s a fabulous restaurant, bakery, gift shop and book shop
of steam engines, fairy-tale characters and an immersive
onsite and visits can take from three hours to a full day. Don’t
experience of light and sound including one of the UK’s biggest
miss the new exhibition at NHRM, ‘Talking Sport: the forgotten
kinetic light displays, will lead to a four acre Lantern Light
history of everyday speech’ which opens December 2020. The
Extravaganza: a beautiful, breath-taking outdoor installation of
exhibition explores words and phrases we use all the time
luminous sculptures, from a fantasy forest of jungle animals to
without realising their sporting heritage. Come and see how
the wilds of the North Pole. www.thursford.com
many you recognise! www.nhrm.co.uk
Popular illuminated trail set to return in 2021 This winter will see a beautiful Suffolk country estate brought to life with illuminations and music as its popular night-time event returns for a second year. Haughley Park, near Stowmarket, has announced that the Spectacle of Light will be back in February 2021, featuring a brand new trail and new light installations for the whole family to enjoy.The sensational after-dark experience invites people to explore the estate's usually-private gardens as they follow an illuminated trail through the grounds, accompanied by a gentle musical score to delight all ages. A warming range of food and drink is also available along the way and the ‘Wishing Tree’ will be back to raise money for local charities. The event runs each Friday, Saturday and Sunday in February, with entry times between 5.30pm and 7.00pm. The estimated walk time is 60-75 minutes and the trail is wheelchair accessible. The event has been adapted to follow strict Corvid safety procedures. www.haughleypark.co.uk/spectacle
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© Mark Harrison
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Photo: Steve Ullathorne
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A Winter Festival full of Prizes and Surprises Helen Lederer
David Mitchell
Cambridge Literary Festival are delighted to announce the
Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction, will be chatting to festival patron
line-up for their online Winter Festival and for the first time
Robert Macfarlane. Helen Macdonald brings her thoughts on
will this year be partnering with London Review Bookshop
life after H is for Hawk and her new book of essays Vesper
for online book sales.
Flights. Professor Sarah Churchwell, broadcaster and novelist
With 40 events set to run over November 19th-29th, to include a free family day on Sunday 29th November, there really is something for everyone. Their vibrant and varied programme includes household names such as comedian David Mitchell, celebrated artist Maggi Hambling, novelist and journalist Matt Haig, former Children’s Laureate Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Morpurgo, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, environmentalist Jonathan Porritt, plus comedian and founder of the Comedy Women in Print Prize Helen Lederer. Climate and Nature are high on the agenda. There is a major panel discussion on halting climate change with Dieter Helem, Jonathan Porritt and Caroline Lucas MP; sixteen-yearold Dara McNulty hailed as a bright new voice in naturalism, winner of the Wainwright Prize and shortlisted for the Baillie
Attica Locke will reflect on the outcome of the US Presidential Election and examine what it means for us all. Plus, there is spoken word poetry from Jay Bernard and Raymond Antrobus, and music and conversation from the Kanneh-Mason family, the lockdown sensation featured in the BBC series Imagine. This is also a festival of prizes. CLF will host the six shortlisted writers for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non- Fiction, the winner announced shortly after the festival; UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage will delight with some poetry and talk about the inaugural Laurel Prize which rewards the best collection of environmental or nature poetry as well as introduce us to its first ever winner; In partnership with media partner New Statesman we will welcome the winner of this year’s Goldsmith’s Prize which rewards ‘fiction at its most novel’. www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com
